To the Top!

Jupiter Lighthouse
Jupiter, FL
November 14, 2025

 The defining feature of the Jupiter, Florida, skyline is the big, red Jupiter Lighthouse. When we fly into West Palm Beach, very often the flight route takes us past or just south of Jupiter as we begin to head inland to land at PBI. If I am sitting on the correct side of the jet, I look for the lighthouse and know that I am almost home. 

Feeding Time at the Pier
Jupiter, FL
November 14, 2025

It had been years, dare I say decades, since Chris and I last climbed the 105 step circular stairway to the top of Jupiter Lighthouse. Yesterday, we decided to visit the Lighthouse Museum and climb the stairs.

We were successful. 

Along the way, we learned and relearned local history from prehistoric times to the present. The history was fascinating and provided an insight into how hard it was to actually survive in this area before modern conveniences. Fortunately, the Jupiter Inlet and Indian River provided a bounty of food. 

I was reminded that then Lt George G. Meade designed and began construction of the lighthouse. I spent many years working on a military installation that bears his name. 

Toward the Inlet and Out to the Atlantic Ocean
Jupiter, FL
November 14, 2025

The day's weather was perfect. Visibility was almost unlimited and the temperature was moderate. The scene from the top of the lighthouse was spectacular and I spent some time sightseeing the area. Looking down on the Loxahatchee River I could see where the fishing boats were cleaning their catch and many pelicans had gathered to feed on the discards.

I really didn't want to descend the 105 stairs to the base of the lighthouse because I was having such a great time looking out on the area in which we live, but of course we could not stay there forever. Note to self, going down is harder than going up!

But we made it. 

We were awarded our certificates for ascending the lighthouse and then we were off on the short drive home for a delayed lunch.

I highly recommend visiting the lighthouse and museum to not only enjoy the stunning view, but to learn about the history of the area and region. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#jupiterlighthouse #jupiterflorida 

Fantastic Weather and Wine

View of an Idyllic South Florida Day
Tequesta, FL
November 13, 2024

 We have been blessed with fantastic weather since the cold snap. Temperatures have ranged from the high 50s to 80 with clear skies. This is why people come to Florida.

Last evening we went to our favorite watering hole and were shocked! The place was packed. It has been a long while since there were no available tables at Tiki52. That was the situation when we departed after enjoying some adult beverages and a dinner. The Snow Birds have begun to return--right on schedule just like the Swallows of Capistrano. 

We also visited Cooper's Hawk during the day. They have introduced new "light" wines. Less alcohol (9%) and fewer calories per pour (90). They are showcasing a Malbec and a Sauvignon Blanc. I think the idea is definitely good but in my grading scale they get an "A" for effort but a "D-" for execution. The wines are definitely lacking. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Getting out before the cold

Pelican in the Sunlight
DuBoise Park, Jupiter, FL
November 10, 2025

Veterans Day 2025

 Bathed in bright sunshine, the cold, 43 degree, weather arrived this morning. I felt like I was back in Maryland. At least it will warm to 67 today and we will be enjoying 80s by the end of the week. The joys of South Florida. 

I managed a shortened 14-mile ride yesterday morning. The winds were getting strong and I just wasn't feeling the ride and so I lopped off some of my usual route. 

But for the afternoon, Chris and I decided to walk along the Jupiter Inlet in the sun. The breeze remained strong but the ocean was flat. We enjoyed the birds and the fishes as we strolled along. I was amazed at the speed of the current and we witnessed the Jupiter Marine Police rescuing two kayakers who got caught in the current and were about to be swept out of the inlet and into the ocean. 

It is Veterans Day. To all of my fellow veterans, I wish you all the best and send a thank-you for your service. I am constantly reminded of our oath to "support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic". 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

As the Weekend Continues

Chris with Maverick
Stuart Air Show, Stuart, FL
November 7, 2025

 I woke to a beautiful South Florida morning. The temperature is 73 degrees and the humidity is acceptable. The sky was clear and the moon bright as it was descending in the western sky. 

We have a day planned that includes NFL football and dinner with friends. Chris and I are excited about both. 

I am planning to head out on a ride in a few minutes to enjoy the morning. 

Chris ran into an old friend at the Air Show Friday night. He was a bit stiff about the meet-up, but she had fun getting a picture taken. 

In light of the ongoing airport crisis, Chris and I have made the decision to drive north for Thanksgiving instead of flying, despite having already made reservations. I had predicted that the government shutdown would end by Friday (the 7th), but unfortunately, I was mistaken. The stubborn members of Congress appear more focused on punishing the American people than on negotiating an end to the Trump-led shutdown. 

And in college football news, congrats go to the Georgia Bulldogs for being the biggest dawgs on the block by decimating Mississippi State yesterday 41-21. The game was not as close as the score suggests. After Mississippi State scored on their opening drive, Georgia ran off 38 unanswered points until finally allowing two gratuitous touchdowns. 

Let's see how the family NFL football teams fare today. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Stuart Air Show 2025

 Bring out the oooohs and the awwws, the Stuart Air Show 2025 Opening Night edition had everything. 

Stuart Airshow 2025
Stuart, FL
November 7, 2025

Chris and I spent the evening enjoying the opening night of the Stuart Air Show. I am told that it is the last airshow of the season and it certainly likes to go out with a bang. 

The flying was incredible. The airshow after dark was especially exciting followed by the fireworks grand finale which was a spectacle to be witnessed. 

The only downside was the lack of military participation this year due to the government shutdown. But the show went on and it was grand, although I was excited about seeing the F-35 demonstration team in action, but alas, that did not happen. And there were no military aircraft on display. The organizers did a great job filling the gaps and making everything seem seamless. I stopped in at the Air Force recruiting tent, which was staffed by contractors, and enjoyed reminiscing about old times when I served as a recruiting squadron commander.  

Sunset at the Stuart Airshow
Stuart, FL
November 7, 2025

Chris and I secured reserved seating for this year's event. It was definitely worth the extra expense to have reserved seats. Parking was plentiful and free. Getting out of the lot after the show was slow, but that is almost always the case.

On the negative side, the show organizers do not allow people to bring in water or food, in addition to a number of other items. The food/water was an issue because the vendor selling food and water did not have enough help; the lines were very long. And the prices are out of sight. I paid $55 for two burgers and fries, a bottle of water, and an iced tea. Oh yea, and the fries were cold and limp and the burgers were, well not hot. At least the beer was only $6.

One other negative, the restroom facilities were inadequate for the crowd and they need lights in the area after dark. People had to use their cells to navigate in the restroom area.

The flying demonstrations were awe inspiring. I never grow tired of seeing the MiG-17 demo given how many years of my Air Force career were dedicated to monitoring Soviet aircraft. I probably devoted too much time in the video to this really old fighter jet. But, since our own Air Force was conspicuously absent, at least I got a military fighter fix for the evening. 

We loved the show and the fireworks grand finale is second to none. We are already planning on being in attendance next year!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#stuartairshow #stuartairshow2025 #airshow

It Happened the other Night

Moon over Jupiter
Jupiter, FL
November 5, 2025

by Francis Baranson

 I am still reviewing some of the images I took on Wednesday evening. It was a clear night with a bright moon. It was one of those evenings that just demands to be captured on image.  

Chris and I were out with friends celebrating two other friends who had traveled in for a wedding. We were along the Jupiter Inlet enjoying a fantastic South Florida evening. As the sun set, earlier now than during the summer, the moon was rising. The food and drink were definitely secondary to the scene that was presented before us.

Jupiter Lighthouse
Jupiter, FL
November 5, 2025

I took more than a few images of the moon rising and the glow of the lights due to the earlier darkness. My friend Francis sent me the one that leads off the article.

We had a great evening at a local restaurant and enjoyed $1 oysters on the last day of the off-season. The price of oysters will increase to an unspecified level to celebrate the return of the Snow Birds. Yes, prices go up here during the winter and will not head down again until May. 

I focused some of my imaging activities upon the lighthouse. I love that historical lighthouse. I spotted it from the airplane as we were making our approach into Palm Beach International on Tuesday. It sits strategically along the inlet as a big red tower. 

Tonight Chris and I are headed to the annual Stuart Airshow. I believe there will be an F-35 demo team in addition to many other flying events. I expect less military participation given the government shutdown. Last year the show was fantastic and I purchased second row reserved seats for this year's event. I am hoping to publish a video of the opening night's activities. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back to Autumn

Happy Halloween!

Be Safe 

Autumn Path
Odenton, MD
October 30, 2025

There is no season as colorful as autumn, especially in the Northeast.

Chris and I managed a walk in the leaves and trees yesterday. It was a beautiful day with the temperature about 68 degrees. It was comfortable even for us Florida residents. 

I have been having trouble deciding if the leaves are at peak color, past-peak, or still coming to peak. It is the amount of still-green trees that make me think that peak is still to come. But there are areas where it is definitely past peak. We saw some areas definitely past peak as we traveled to Annapolis yesterday.  

Deer in the Distance
Odenton, MD
October 30, 2025

I am having a lot of fun trying out my new iPhone with the drastically improved camera.

Chris called to me when she spied some deer in the distance. I told her it would not make a good image, but decided to try out my improved camera. I was wrong. Instead of the deer becoming lost in the underbrush and being too fuzzy to even realize they were deer, the camera came through with a very nice image. It became a nice autumn scene. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Sunday used to be

 I was sitting here reflecting upon Sundays past. Like decades past. 

From thefarside.com for October 26, 2025

I recall when Chris and I were first married, I was thrilled about receiving two Sunday newspapers. We would lie in bed, engrossed in the Sunday comics, and then I would devour the business and sports sections. By the end of our reading session, my hands were blackened with newsprint ink.

One of my favorites was The Far Side. Who can resist laughing at the humorous scene of a boy attempting to enter the School for the Gifted by pushing on the pull door?

As our family grew, we would prepare a pancake or French toast breakfast before heading to church. Sunday mornings were always a blur as we rushed to complete our tasks and make it to church on time. Chris and I would often sing in the choir, while the kids attended Sunday studies, leaving us with little time to rest before our 9 AM church service.

Beautiful Florida Morning on my Bike
Tequesta, FL
October 24, 2025

It was a race against time, and we were always out of breath by the time we got home.

As a child, my Sunday mornings were quite similar, except during the summer months, after church, I had to mow the lawn. It was a grueling task that took me five hours to complete with a push mower.

Sundays have become more relaxed. I write my daily blog while listening to the news on TV, as Chris prepares breakfast and also watches the news. We usually sit together for a while to discuss the day’s events or the upcoming week, and we make plans for the week ahead.

The upcoming week is filled with exciting plans. We’re traveling to Maryland to celebrate Beck’s first Halloween and reconnect with family and friends. This will be the first of three trips to Maryland during the holidays. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Holiday Season Collision

Sunset
Harborplace, Jupiter, FL
October 23, 2025

 Multiple holidays and seasons coexist.

Yesterday, Chris and I were shopping, and I was astounded by how some stores were already decked out for Christmas. Halloween was on clearance, and Thanksgiving was nowhere to be seen!

Home Goods
Stuart, FL
October 24, 2025

The turkeys are being forgotten during the holiday shopping frenzy.

I firmly believe that the excessive Christmas decorations are a result of the tariffs, prompting large businesses to place orders early, which has led to an influx of decorations. Yesterday, the stores we visited were so packed with Christmas decorations that maneuvering a cart became a challenge.  

We survived the shopping expedition, mostly because holiday decorations were not what we were "in search of." Had there been a turkey or two, I might have bought one to add to my collection. The turkey season is upon us. 

I wonder if the stores are like this across the country?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

I snagged one

iPhone 17 Pro Max

 I have been on a quest for a new iPhone 17 Pro Max. It had been quite a search over the past two weeks. Trying to search at the right time to snag one as it became available had me checking three times per day. 

First image with new iPhone 17 Pro Max
Finnegan
Tequesta, FL
October 22, 2025

I was successful yesterday. I actually was online at just the right time to order the phone on Tuesday evening for pick-up yesterday. Earlier Tuesday, I could have snagged one at a store 74 miles away, but I was not that desperate. A short time later my local store, 6 miles away, offered the phone, although not in the color I wanted, for Wednesday delivery and that was where I ultimately went. Staying local saved about 4 hours of driving in Miami rush-hour traffic.

I am retiring my iPhone 14 Pro Max, which has served me well--well, actually, it failed me during our trip to South Africa earlier this year, and Apple replaced it under Apple Care. But overall, the iPhone 14 was a great tool for the years that I had it.

I know it has only been 3 years since I got my iPhone 14 Pro Max, but Apple made enough changes in the camera system and the inclusion of Apple Intelligence to make me renew my phone earlier than normal. I really think I am going to like it--I enjoy it so far. 

My first real test of the camera/video system will be the 

Stuart Airshow Opening Night on November 7. I fought with my phone last year to get videos of the flying, and I am hoping that the new 17 Pro Max will work a lot better this year. Time will tell. I have about two weeks to figure it all out. 

Here is the video from last year's Stuart Airshow Opening Night. I have also secured reserved seats in the second row which should help with the video exercise. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Happy Tuesday to All!

North Fork Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
October 20, 2025

 We have arrived back at another Tuesday. 

The World Series competitors are set: The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays will face off to determine the best team in baseball for the 2025 season. 

I had hoped Seattle would finally make a World Series--they got close, losing the lead in the deciding Game 7 in the 7th inning. 

My prediction: LA wins in 5. 

I was able to enjoy the continuing good weather with an 18-mile ride yesterday. The humidity has returned, but the temperatures are remaining enjoyable. 

Chris and I received a shock yesterday afternoon as we went to our favorite grocery store in Hobe Sound. It is closing! Well, it is almost closed. The shelves were mostly empty. This Winn Dixie store was sold to Aldi's and is being converted. That is sad, because I have always found Aldi's to be inferior to almost any other grocery store. Yea, people say the prices are good, but the selection is poor as they do not routinely carry most of the food items for which Chris and I shop. And their checkout plan is confusing as best. 

Well, it is Tuesday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Longest Trip Yet

2023 Mustang Mach-e in the Driveway
Tequesta, FL
October 17, 2025

 Chris and I have owned our Ford Mustang Mach-e for a year and a half. It has a paltry 9500 miles on it because we use it exclusively for driving around our local area. I had estimated its total annual mileage to be about 7000 and we are even below that number. 

Until yesterday, the Mach-e, which is an EV, had been charged at a commercial charge station twice. Once when we took delivery of it because it had less that 20 percent charge and we had not yet installed the charger in our garage, and then when Ford delivered the Tesla supercharger converter--just so we knew how to use it. 

Yesterday, was the third time the car was charged commercially. We drove to the Space Force Base near Cocoa Beach to get new ID cards and took the Mach-e. We had to stop on the way back for an energy. A Tesla Supercharger collocated with a gas station/restaurant was recommended by our mapping program. We enjoyed lunch while the car charged. Suffice it to say, we were nervous. Had the charger not worked I believe there was just enough energy to get home (with about 3 percent remaining), but it worked great and the cost was not too bad, 50 cents per KwH versus the 16 cents I pay at home. (BTW, the c/KwH is my total bill in $ with all the add-ins divided by KwH usage, so it is higher than the posted rate)

Wow! 

I guess we will be using the car for longer trips since we are more comfortable with the technology and the mapping program we use incorporates charging locations into its travel calculations. I also liked the self-driving aspect of the car on the open road. 

We may be ready to try a Florida to Maryland trip!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

As the Week Begins

View Down the North Fork Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
October 13, 2025

 I was able to get out on my bike to enjoy the spectacular weather we are experiencing. The really nice weather arrived after almost a month of stormy, hot, humid weather which effectively put a damper on all outdoors activities. 

Water Covered Road
Jupiter, FL
October 13, 2025

I managed a 21-mile ride yesterday in the relatively cooler morning air with a fairly stiff wind from the north. The sky was clear and it was fun to be out on the streets. Since it was a federal holiday, I expected light traffic. That was not the case. It seemed everyone was out and about. 

I biked different places than I had biked on Saturday. I was shocked that some streets were still water covered, although I know these streets are subject to flooding at high tide and the king tides make them worse. I did manage to get coated with mud. I need to wash my bike and oil my chain after a couple days of wet riding. 

Today, due to the favorable weather, is a boating day. Yay. Chris, Finnegan, and I are looking forward to heading out on the water and the plan is to head to Stuart to do some shopping and lunch before heading back to the marina. Depending on the weather, we might have some beach time. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Halloween is in the air, but the traveling public may not be

Skeleton and the Witch
Tequesta, FL
October 7, 2025

 The Halloween season is evident in the decorations around the places that I ride my bike. I have always been impressed with the Halloween displays in the neighborhoods. There is one that I actually look for and it was there yesterday as I completed my 18-mile ride around Tequesta.  

I was able to get my ride in before the afternoon storms. Although they were not particularly strong, I don't like riding in the rain.

Cooler daytime highs are expected starting tomorrow. Yay. It isn't much, but a less humid 84 is significantly cooler than a humid 87.

Day 8 Partial Government Shutdown

Does anyone else find it tragic that the only way the republicans seem to be able to negotiate is by threatening to hurt scores of people? The idea of not paying furloughed federal workers, despite a federal law to there contrary, is but one example.

And then there is the Attorney General. Her testimony yesterday was an embarrassment. I heard a lot of it and she actually threatened Senators with investigations rather than answer questions. Case in point was her allegation of campaign irregularities against Senator White House.  

Seems as if the Air Traffic Controllers are going to take matters into their hands again. If Congress can't fly home, maybe they will negotiate.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday at Latitudes

View of the Atlantic
Jupiter Beach Resort, Jupiter, FL
October 6, 2025

 Chris and I enjoyed Happy Hour with friends at a new restaurant last evening. The restaurant has been remodeled since our last visit and it appointed very nicely. The restaurant is the Latitudes at the Jupiter Beach Resort.

Now, admittedly, the Happy Hour is a bit more pricey than some of our other haunts, but the upscale nature is really very nice. The restaurant sits just off the Resort's beach and we had a great view of the ocean. 

Latitudes Restaurant
Jupiter Beach Resort, Jupiter, FL
Photo from Yelp

The service was excellent. Due to the storm related winds, we decided not to enjoy Happy Hour at the Tiki Hut, but we ventured out to spend a few minutes next to the beach. The bar offers the lounge atmosphere and seating for Happy Hour and we enjoyed a sofa, chairs and coffee table rather than the more normal seating.  

We are in the season of King Tides and coupled with the storms the beaches are eroding. There is usually a good 100 yard beach in front of the resort. Last evening the waves were coming all the way up to the stairs. We were still over two hours from high tide! I believe the King Tides are part of the reason that the Outer Banks are experiencing the devastation we have witnessed on the news. 

We checked out the dinner menu and found it to be very nice. They offer a fixed-price menu as well. My only negative was that the Resort only offers Valet parking. That is not an issue as long as I know in advance. I don't usually have a key for the car with me since I operate the Mach-e using my phone. But, they were very accommodating in taking the car and allowing me to ride along. 

We will likely visit Latitudes again soon.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Travel Day

Classic Car Entering the Street
Tequesta, FL
September 19, 2025

 Chris and I are off to the cruise port in a couple hours. 

The excitement is building and the bags are packed, mostly. 

As we were out doing final errands yesterday, I saw a great classic car. I'm guessing 56 Chevy Bel Air. I didn't get a great image of it, as I had to use my Meta glasses. So, I zoomed in a lot and lost some detail. But she was a beauty. 

I'm hoping that Saturday traffic is light and our trip to the parking lot is smooth and easy. Heading into Ft Lauderdale can be a pain, even on a good day. It is not as bad as driving around Houston, but can still be challenging.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Watching the Storms

This is the time of the year when most Floridians become avid (rabid?) weather watchers. I have joined that group. I counted and I have no less than four weather apps on my phone.

Why?

I guess I really don't know. They all present the weather differently, but I think they all use the same basic information to create the weather depictions. 

For instance this morning. I am watching Tropical Storm Gabrielle in the Atlantic on one app and also the pervasive rain in my area on another. Why?

Well, the Atlantic Storm, although not a threat to Florida could have made a mess of my upcoming cruise. I keep cruising during September, usually the most active month of the hurricane season, because it's my birthday month! So Chris and I and friends seem to find a reason to cruise during the month. 

Well, and this morning the storms are all around me in Tequesta. Another wet, Florida day. The weather has made me appreciate the relatively clear skies we had over the weekend. 

Rain and storms! September in Florida. 

I love it!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

As the Weather Turns

Happy Constitution Day! 

On this date in 1787, The Constitution of the United States of America is signed by 39 delegates present at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Supporters of the document waged a hard-won battle to win ratification by the necessary nine out of 13 U.S. states.

Blowing Rocks Marina and Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
September 16, 2025

And it's back!

The stormy weather has returned this morning. We are experiencing thunderstorms and rain. 

Last evening we enjoyed Happy Hour at Tiki52. There had been a passing storm just before we arrived, but it was clear and we enjoyed great conversation and food with friends. 

Chris and I had been looking to join friends on a Mediterranean cruise, but realized that it was right in the middle of high school graduation--and we have a grandson who is a senior. So, we are looking for other dates for our BIG Beautiful 2026 trip. I can't call them vacations anymore since we are retired and everyday is a vacation. Well, not really. 

But, today is Hump Day. Let's see where it takes us. 

Oh yes, toe update: toe is much better today. Some residual pain (level 1 or lower) and still no severe bruising. I got lucky!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Ouch!

Sandhill Crane on my Ride
Turtle Creek, Tequesta, FL
September 15, 2025

 I stubbed my toe last night tripping over one of Finnegan's chew bones. 

Ugh!

So the injury didn't hurt all that bad last night, but today it is screaming at me. It does not appear broken, there is no swelling or blackness, but I jammed it good. Additionally, there is no sharp pain when it is moved--so no doctor, yet!

Yesterday I had a very enjoyable bike ride around Tequesta. The humidity is lower and that makes the ride more pleasant. I'm doing a better job deconflicting my ride with the school kids waiting for the bus. Often they lay on the sidewalk to read their phones and I have to be cautious when passing them. I had one boy, the other day, who I had to yell to not to back up because he was standing up and backing into my path in anticipation of the arriving bus. 

Well, it is Terrific Tuesday!

I am hoping the incendiary rhetoric regarding the assassination and the First Amendment cools a bit today nationally. We need to get back on a more even footing. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Colorless Day

Colorless Day on the River
Tequesta, FL
September 11, 2025

 Yesterday was a colorless day. 

There were tears of anguish over senseless political violence and over another school shooting.

I saw that the morning haze sapped the color out of the day as I rode over the river in Tequesta. 

It is as if the world was mourning the loss of innocence, the acceptance of unbridled greed, inhuman actions, wars that cannot be stopped, and leaders who forment hate, anger, and distrust for their own aggrandizement. 

It was Patriot Day. As Americans stopped to remember 9/11, the weight of the passing years and the continuing toll of that day further sapped color from a mourning country. I remember the images of 9/11 after the towers fell--everything was covered in colorless gray dust and we all cried with concern for the families of the victims. 

We rose from the ashes 24 years ago, but I'm not sure we have strengthened our Republic. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL